11-year-old from White Plains is sending homemade greeting cards to children in Israel
WHITE PLAINS, New York (WABC) -- "Stay strong. Have hope. We have your back. You're safe. Sending strength."
The positive messages above are just some of the sentiments prepared to be delivered to children in Israel.
"A lot of these I can definitely tell will make somebody's day," said 11-year-old Benjamin Elkin from White Plains to Eyewitness News.
When war broke out in the Middle East, Elkin did not want to sit helplessly in New York.
So, he started a campaign and asked for cards.
"Cards for kids to me seemed like a perfectly tangible idea," he said. Something that would help but isn't too complicated."
The process finds him collecting cards from toddlers to senior citizens to send over to children in Israel.
So far, he's collected 160 heartfelt sentiments - and they keep pouring in.
"These are really touching," he said, before adding, "knowing this many people want to do something to help."
If you'd like to contribute some cards, no artistic talent is required. All you need to do is email Benjamin at: cardsforkidsisrael@gmail.com.
They make sure each letter is delivered.
"We're in the process of building out a network of people in Israel, who will make sure they get to kids and others on the ground in Israel," said Michael Elkin, Benjamin's father.
This Cards for Kids collection happens to be Benjamin's second. He sent a box to Ukranian children when Russia first attacked.
Now, he's sending love to Israel, one homemade card at a time.
ALSO READ | How aid groups are responding to the Israel-Hamas war, and where to donate
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
